About DigiGirlz

DigiGirlz is a programme for girls to learn about careers in technology, connect with Microsoft employees, and participate in hands-on computer and technology workshops.

This year, students in Singapore will learn how to quickly build imaginative world with Minecraft:Education Edition, and work in teams to take part in a "live" virtual hackathon, with attractive prizes to be won.

Schedule

Registration is open to all secondary school girls (mixed teams are welcome).

Timeline:

18 Oct: Registration opens9 Nov onwards: Successfully registered teams confirmed by email; invited to join Teams12 Nov: Registration closes (extended)18 Nov: Competition Day 119 Nov: Competition Day 2

Pre-Event

We'll be providing pre-recorded training to help you get started with Minecraft: Education Edition accounts and installation, as well as Minecraft basics. You'll receive more information after registration closes — stay tuned!

Event Days

18 November

8am: Virtual registration9am: Introduction & Welcome to DigiGirlz9:25am: Talks and panel discussion by tech professionals10am: Ice-breakers10:30am: Minecraft Training12:30pm: Break. Please get your own lunch 😄1:30pm: Minecraft Training resumes3:30pm-4:30pm: Hackathon begins! Theme Reveal, Ideation, and Discussion. Meet with your facilitators.4:30pm onwards: Event stream ends; continue working if you'd like!

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19 November

8am: Virtual registration9am: Continue hackathon! Meet with your facilitators.12pm: Submissions due! Lunch break 🥪1pm: Mentoring circle. Meet mentors from Microsoft!2pm-4pm: Judging — take a break, you'll be notified if you're a finalist4pm: Presentations by selected finalist teams5pm-5:30pm: Awards Ceremony and Closing Address

Guests

Andrea Della Mattea

Andrea Della Mattea
President, Microsoft Asia Pacific

Andrea Della Mattea

Nurul Hussain
Founder, The Codette Project

Andrea Della Mattea

Lynn Dang
HR Leader, Microsoft Singapore

Andrea Della Mattea

Vivienne Ng
Chief Psychologist, Ministry of Social and Family Development

Andrea Della Mattea

Renee Lo
General Manager, Data & AI Asia Leader, Microsoft Singapore

Andrea Della Mattea

Evelyn Peh
Head of Marketing, Singapore FinTech Youth Chapter

Andrea Della Mattea

Dr. Ong Chen Hui
Cluster Director (Biztech Group), Infocomm and Media Development Authority

Andrea Della Mattea

Seow Khun Lum
Public Sector Director, Microsoft Singapore

Awards

We will be awarding projects for the following categories:
Judges’ choice WinnerJudges’ choice Runner-upJudges’ choice Second Runner-upCreativity award for best video presentationTechnical achievement award for world development

The final judging rubric will be revealed on competition day, but here are some considerations:

Theme – Does the world address the given theme effectively?Design – Are the aesthetics of the world appealing?Innovation – Is the concept in the submission original and creative?Documentation – Is the world purpose and flow clearly described?

Register

To register, please form teams of up to 6 members, prepare a list of names and email addresses, and register at: tk.sg/digigirlzregister!

Registration closed on Friday, 12 November at 11:59pm. If you have any questions, please email us at [email protected].

FAQ

How much does the competition cost?
There is no cost to participating in the DigiGirlz competition.

Do you require a certain level of technical expertise to participate?
No. The competition is open to participants of all skill levels. The training sessions will provide hands-on workshops that are led by supportive instructors who can help you increase your abilities.

Is any hardware required?
Yes, a laptop or desktop computer, running on any operating system that supports Minecraft: Education Edition. A webcam will be handy for video discussions with team members and mentors.

Is any software required?
Yes.
Minecraft: Education EditionMicrosoft Teams at teams.microsoft.com. Participants can choose to download the desktop or mobile app if they wish.
Will training be virtual or in-person?
All trainings and the actual-day event will be online, conducted over Microsoft Teams. Participants can choose to work individually at home, or together in school.

Do participants need to watch the pre-event workshops?
Yes, participants should watch the pre-recorded pre-event workshops on their own schedule. We estimate the pre-event workshops will take about 2-3 hours to complete.

Can students form teams across schools?
Yes, students can form teams across schools, as long as they meet prevailing social distancing rules. They can be registered by a (willing) teacher from one of the schools, or a parent or guardian.

Can boys attend?
DigiGirlz events are designed to provide a gender specific approach to introducing girls to career opportunities in technology in a safe setting that is attuned to addressing specific biases and challenges that might impact their experience. Event participation is open to anyone, regardless of gender identity, who is aligned to our mission to provide an environment that encourages girls’ participation in technology. We do, however, require groups to either be all-girls or mixed-gender.

A Tinkercademy production, supported by Microsoft and IMDA.